Nobody knows the troubles I bear
Nobody knows it, nobody knows it
(Nobody knows it, none at all)
Nobody knows the heartaches I share
Nobody knows it, nobody knows it
Nobody knows it (nobody knows it, none at all)
Sometimes I’m up, sometimes I’m down (oh, my Lord)
Sometimes I feel like running away (oh, my Lord)
Oh, my Lord
Nobody knows, I say, the heartaches that I share
Nobody knows it, nobody knows it
(Nobody knows it, none at all), nobody knows it!
I said, nobody knows the troubles I bear
Nobody knows it, nobody knows it
(Nobody knows it, none at all)
Some say that I’m lazy, some say that I’m crazy (oh, my Lord)
And at the times when I’m sad, some say I’m mad (oh, my Lord)
Oh, my Lord
I said, nobody, nobody knows
Nobody knows the troubles, the troubles that I bear
Nobody knows it
Nobody else knows it, nobody knows it, nobody knows it
None at all, I say how much I
Nobody knows the heartaches I share, nobody knows it
(Nobody knows it, none at all)
Some say that I’m lazy, some say that I’m crazy (oh, my Lord)
And at times when I’m sad, some say I’m mad (oh, my Lord)
Oh, my Lord, only you know, only you know
Exploring Hidden Struggles in “Nobody Knows”
“Nobody Knows” by Bob Marley is a heartfelt reflection on enduring personal hardship in silence. The song’s repeating phrase, “nobody knows the troubles I bear,” emphasizes the solitude and often invisibility of inner pain. Marley touches on the universal experience of fluctuating emotions—sometimes feeling strong, sometimes wanting to retreat—highlighting how struggles can be misunderstood by others. The lyrics also reveal how others may judge or misinterpret these struggles, labeling the singer as lazy or crazy, when in reality, only a higher power truly understands the depth of his emotions. Through this honest portrayal, Marley invites listeners to empathize with the unseen burdens carried by many.
Song Credits
Artist: Bob Marley
Songwriters: Bob Marley